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U-shaped relationship between birth weight and childhood blood pressure in China

Chong Lai1, Yiyan Hu2, Di He2

  • 1Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

BMC Pediatrics
|August 1, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Birth weight influences childhood blood pressure in China, with both low and high birth weights linked to higher hypertension risk. A U-shaped relationship exists, with optimal blood pressure in the 2500-2999g range.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Cardiovascular Epidemiology

Background:

  • The association between birth weight and blood pressure in Chinese children remains underexplored.
  • Understanding this relationship is crucial for identifying early risk factors for hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between birth weight and blood pressure in Chinese children and adolescents.
  • To determine if birth weight is a predictor of hypertension in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A large cohort of 15,324 children and adolescents (aged 7-17 years) was analyzed.
  • Participants were stratified by birth weight, and statistical analyses (ANCOVA, logistic regression) controlled for confounders like gestational age and season of birth.

Main Results:

  • A U-shaped relationship was observed between birth weight and hypertension risk, with the lowest risk in the 2500-2999g group.
  • Both lower (<2000g) and higher (≥3500g) birth weights were associated with significantly higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and increased odds of hypertension.
  • No significant association was found between birth weight and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Conclusions:

  • Birth weight is a significant determinant of SBP and hypertension risk in Chinese children and adolescents, independent of obesity.
  • The findings suggest a U-shaped curve, highlighting potential programming effects of fetal development.
  • Further research into fetal development and programming is recommended to elucidate these findings.
Abstract

Keywords:
Birth weightChildhood blood pressureDiastolic blood pressureHypertensionObesitySystolic blood pressure

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